Fans take to the legendary road course to start the 2012 season

WATKINS GLEN, NY – Watkins Glen International continues to gear up for Opening Weekend benefiting JDRF April 21-22. The two-day event provides fans with the opportunity to drive the historic road course in their personal vehicles, take a first-hand look at the Capital Improvements, check out the Green Grand Prix (April 20-21) and support a great cause. It is also Glen fans final opportunity to capitalize on advance ticket prices for the 2012 season.

Opening Weekend is a free event marking the commencement of the 2012 season at Watkins Glen International. It is only $25 to take a three-lap trip around the 3.45-mile Grand Prix course with the grounds open. Track Time Photos will take professional photographs of each car as it is driven around the legendary road course, which are available for purchase. Fans can take pictures of their own standing alongside the Watkins Glen International show car in Gatorade Victory Lane or standing on stage as Marcos Ambrose, Kurt Busch, Max Angelelli and Ricky Taylor did in 2011.

Watkins Glen International apparel, including the “Drove It” t-shirt, will be on sale Saturday and Sunday next to Stand 4. Fans who visit The Shop before Opening Weekend, may purchase a “Drove It” T-Shirt for $20 and receive a FREE voucher for Opening Weekend and a bumper sticker. Those who stop by The Shop April 20-22 have the option to purchase any NASCAR Reserved Grandstand ticket and receive a FREE hat. The Shop is open seven days a week 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Opening Weekend festivities will be broadcast live on both WINGZ 104.9 throughout the Southern Tier and WRCE AM 1490 on site.

Sunday, April 22nd marks the final chance for fans to purchase their 2012 tickets for race events at The Glen with advance pricing. Fans can save up to $20 per ticket, depending upon the event. Purchase your tickets for Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen (June 29-July 1), NASCAR Weekend at The Glen (August 9-12), Glenora Wine Cellars U.S. Vintage Grand Prix (September 7-9) as well as the Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey’s Fancy New York’s Artisan Cheese (July 13-15) while you are in town and after you take your laps.

Fans may purchase their tickets and camping by contacting the WGI ticket office at 866.461.RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com. Gift certificates, tickets and track merchandise are available for purchase The Shop is located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. Keep up with the latest happenings at The Glen by visiting the official Watkins Glen International Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/watkinsgleninternational, and following WGI on Twitter, @WGI.